Yeah, Twilight's kind of a bitch--or at least that's what she wants people to think. I made her that way purposefully to reveal a vulnerability about her character: emotions are sort of her weakness. Anyone gets too close to her, and she's got to push him/her away. At least in RoE, the pain was brief--in Depths, on the other hand, it was extremely hazardous.

That was then, however. How did her incarnation as Lady Nathalan strike you?

You know, I had my suspicions it was her all along, so, come time for revelation, I could just nod and smile -- especially at the appearance, however grim, of my aforementioned object of adoration.

In Downshadow, I enjoyed her parts. I thought the Spellscar was a fantastic twist, perfect(depending on who you ask... I'm sure she doesn't believe it's all that wonderful) for the kind of person she is. It really gave an already conflicted character another obstacle.

Glad you were pleased. I hope to develop her story further: unveil why she goes by that name, how she got scarred, and (you might be pleased at this one) what happened to Yldar(!).

I'm not sure if you're concerned that Yldar was killed in the dream/memory sequence encounter, but I'll reassure you on that point: he was not. In fact, he might still be alive today . . .

Did you check out the 3.5 stuff Tom Costa and I cooked up for the CK realmslore archives? As a particular fan of Yldar, you might enjoy his writeup the most. Check the bottom few files on this page: http://www.candlekeep.com/library/lore.htm#rumours (Yldar/Cythara's file is labeled the Greater Treasure).

Oh really? Interesting indeed. I will look forward to hear more about him.

Ah, yes. I saw his character sheet a bit back (When I was lurking some time ago). It is what introduced me to the Bladesong Duskblade. Sadly, my Duskblade was already in play, it would have been fitting.

That does give me a question though, with the introduction of 4th ed, I read you write up your characters, do you now use that ruleset?

I have done much reading on it, and made several characters using the ruleset, which I would love to *try*, however, I play with a group that consist of 1. People who hate the idea of anything out of 3.5 2. People to lazy to learn a new system 3. People who still don't know enough about 3.5 that they think it will only confuse them further.

Hey Erik!I'm on a quest to increase the number of FR novels brazilian fans. So, I'm getting some messages from many FR authors who would like to have some brazilians readers.

At the moment, the only person that sent me, was Richard Lee Byers. Kemp and Cunningham didn't know what to say, I'm expecting that Greenwood, when he has some extra time, he would send me something too, RAS is almost untalkable at the moment...

So Erik, could you send us a message? 90% of the readers only knows Ed and RAS, it would be awesome for them to getting knowing you.

Another thing that is interesting, Icewind Dale is the only translated trilogy to portuguese, but I believe that 50% of the Role-Players can read in english... They don't do it, probably 'cause the reading of novels are not so common here in Brazil, compared to developed world countries.

At the time that I receive more than five author's messages, I would compile them and send to many communitys and foruns around here.

I also wanted to pop in and announce that the ever-so-excellent Rosemary Jones and I are going to be doing a joint signing of our recent Waterdeep books (Downshadow and City of the Dead) at the U-bookstore in Seattle in the evening on July 8.

If anyone happens to be in the area . . . come on by for some signatures, funny stories, and witty banter. Possibly, there will be toasting at a nearby tavern or two.

You could present yourself and your books, say why should people be interested on reading your work or any other FR author's book... I think the best way for them start reading your books, is explaining them that there is an extremely huge world to be discovered. And many new-comers authors that may answer their questions as a "normal guy" here at candlekeep (CK marketing too ). It's up to you. Probably, you can say better than I, what should you say to make someone start reading FR novels.

The Forgotten Realms is a vast, exciting, fantastic world, full of thrilling adventure, deadly monsters, and gleaming treasure. Within these pages, you will find tales of ancient enmities boiling to new war, harrowing searches for lost empires of great wealth, and epic loves lost and gained, all in a world so fully realized and articulated that it could pass for real.

And one should read *my* books because they contain exactly that:

Ghostwalker is a timeless tale of vengeance vs. justice, given fresh strength by a blossoming love that lasts beyond death. A warrior thought long dead rises from the grave to exact retribution from the so-called "heroes" who wronged him--and taste the life and love he has been missing all this time.

Depths of Madness is a psychological thrill ride where nothing is as it seems, and love might not prove enough to defeat the darkness. The sly elf rogue Fox-at-Twilight finds herself thrust into command of a treacherous band of adventurers--will her wits prove equal to the challenge?

Downshadow is a harrowing tale of secret identity and the thankless pursuit of justice by any means necessary--a quest so intense it can doom the hero to becoming the villain. The vigilante Shadowbane will go to any length to do what is right, but does that mean sacrificing his own soul?

And that's just three of literally *hundreds* of awesome stories the Realms has to offer. Start on any of these three (or dozens more like them), and you get a stand-alone story that you don't have to know anything about the Realms to enjoy. On the other hand, if you're a longtime reader, you will pick up all sorts of lore true to the setting that will make the experience one to remember. And if you like them, there's always more to read about the Realms!

Plus, as an added bonus, the Realms authors are famously open about their work and can be contacted online (www.candlekeep.com) for insights, ideas, and secrets hidden between the lines of their books. The Realms community of readers, writers, and designers is unmatched.

Thanks Erik! I was expecting a "Hello Brazilian readers!" or something like that at the beggining.. But you wrote more than I expected!Your message is already on my .txt file, be sure that in some days it will be at some famous foruns around this country..

Just popping in to remind everybody of my joint signing with Rosemary tomorrow!

Wednesday • July 8 • 7pmErik Scott de Bie and Rosemary JonesDownshadow and City of the Dead (WIZARDS OF THE COAST)University District store4326 University Way NESeattle, WA 98105

On July 8, we host two authors who have written books hand-picked by role-playing legend Ed Greenwood for lovers of his Forgotten Realms fantasy setting. Erik Scott de Bie and Rosemary Jones have crafted their own epic tales from Greenwood's long-beloved landscape of magic and monsters.

quote:Originally posted by Erik Scott de BieUnless the title is changed between now and then, it's called: "A Love Story in Parts," and is, for all intents and purposes, a romantic comedy.

Uh...Love Story in Parts like: "So you only had a drink with your other skeleton friends at the crypt around the corner? And then whose fingerboneprints are these on your pelvis, where did you leave your lower jaw and why do you smell of cheap zombie?"

-

"You make an intriguing offer, one that is very tempting. It would seem that I have little alternative than to answer thusly: DISINTEGRATE!" Vaarsuvius, Order of the Stick 625

Actually, there are no zombies in my story. I'll keep the sort of undead I chose to feature a secret for the time being. (Any guesses?)

The full title of the story ("The Body in the Bag: A Love Story in Parts") was partly inspired by the Bones (TV show) episode naming convention, and partly by something Garen Thal said once at a Spin a Yarn.

quote:Originally posted by skychrome

Uh...Love Story in Parts like: "So you only had a drink with your other skeleton friends at the crypt around the corner? And then whose fingerboneprints are these on your pelvis, where did you leave your lower jaw and why do you smell of cheap zombie?"

Heh heh! I've already done the questionably necrophiliac thing with Ghostwalker (is he alive? is he dead? is Arya really kinky that way?). Statistically, it is 99.5% likely that you will be pleased to know that the "love story" bit is between two very living people (at least at the outset).

quote:Originally posted by Garen Thal

I dearly hope this is not an homage to Boxing Helena...

Eerily enough . . .

No, no just kidding. Even *I* wouldn't go there.

quote:Originally posted by Christopher_Rowe

Sounds fantastic, Erik! This anthology will mark my own Realms fiction debut and I'm looking forward to my "Feast of the Moon" sharing a ToC with your story!Cheers, indeed!

Very much looking forward to your piece, Christopher. And together, we shall rain down glorious literary brilliance upon the people! (Or at least kick a lot of zombie butt.)

Unless the title is changed between now and then, it's called: "A Love Story in Parts," and is, for all intents and purposes, a romantic comedy.

With the walking dead.

Interesting choice of title, Erik. Especially when you're taking about the walking dead. The walking dead are notorious for losing body parts after all... and I'd assume they do still LOVE those parts.

Well met Eric. I am in the market for some new FR books and I wanted to know what book of yours is a good starting point.I am into either series or stand alone so that isn't an issue. I just want a well told engaging story about the realms. I have read many other FR works and wanted to try another author. After looking at the summery of some of your books it looks as if you have a unique and fun style of writing. So where to begin????

"Go ahead...Sleep in the church...the vampires can't get ya in the church" Any DM...any time.

"He's like a trained ape...without the training"Simon after Jane trashed the Med lab

Well, I haven't written a series (yet), so yeah, you're looking at stand-alones.

I suggest you start with Ghostwalker and go from there. To date, it's one of my best-captured stories (that is, I told it pretty much exactly the way I wanted to). It's raw and uncompromising.

All my books are a little different from one another: GW is a fantasy western revenge story (think Desperado meets the Crow meets High Plains Drifter), while Depths of Madness is a fantasy horror dungeon crawl (Saw meets the Thing), while Downshadow is a rollicking quest for justice that is sort of superhero in theme (I've heard Batman and Daredevil--the comics, not necessarily the movies--called down as inspirations, and I won't deny it!).

But if you want to see where it all began--and read what I think is a pretty solid story--check out Ghostwalker.